N4503V Cameron Balloons A-210 accident

NTSB DEN04CA132 · 2004-08-29 · Albuquerque, NM · near ABQ

Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant

Summary

According to the pilot, the flight had been uneventful; however, the winds had increased in velocity. The winds according to the pilot, at the time of landing, were between 8 and 9 knots. During the landing, the ground crew grabbed the basket and assisted it down to the ground. One passenger fell forward during the landing, twisting her ankle and breaking it. No other anomalies were noted.

Full narrative

On August 29, 2004, at approximately 0810 mountain daylight time, a passenger sustained serious injuries while on board a Cameron Balloons A-210, N4503V. The balloon, piloted by a commercial pilot, was not damaged during landing approximately 7 miles northwest of Albuquerque International Airport, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The scenic flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and four other passengers reported no injuries. The local flight originated at approximately 0650.

According to the pilot, the flight had been uneventful; however, the winds had increased in velocity. The winds according to the pilot, at the time of landing, were between 8 and 9 knots. During the landing, the ground crew grabbed the basket and assisted it down to the ground. The basket did not hit hard, nor did it tip over. One passenger fell forward during the landing, twisting her ankle and breaking it. No other anomalies were noted.

Probable cause

the passenger losing her balance during the landing. Contributing to the accident was the increased wind velocity. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.

Circumstances

Event type
Accident
Highest injury
Serious
Weather conditions
Visual Meteorological Cond
Light condition
Day
Sky condition
NONE
Ceiling (ft)
0
Visibility (sm)
10
Wind direction
20
Wind speed (kt)
4
Temperature (F)
63
Nearest airport
ALBUQUERQUE INTL
Distance from field
7.0
Airport elevation
5355

Aircraft

RegistrationMakeModelDamageFAR part
N4503V Cameron Balloons A-210 — 091

Sequence of events

#OccurrencePhase
1 240 Cruise

Findings

Finding
20000 factor
24700 cause